BIG LIT: The Stewartry Book Festival is only a few days away. April 20 – 23 Brochures are out. Tickets are available either online www.biglit.org for our full programme, or at Franca Bruno’s shop in Gatehouse of Fleet. The Franca Bruno Shop Tel: 07803 228497 / 07707 686109

Cairnsmore National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a nationally important upland site at the core of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire biosphere.

Scottsih Natural Heritage are looking for ideas and comments on the future of the reserve. In particular they would welcome ideas on how they can improve visitors' experience of the reserve and how they can engage better with the local communities.

The Cricket Club has been shortlisted for an award. It needs your votes to win. Although it is the Galloway Cricket Club, it is based in Gatehouse and has been doing great work to get young people involved in the sport. Follow the link below to vote ... and please share.https://www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk/submission/galloway-cricket-club-pavilionGalloway Cricket club provides structured sports activities for young people in an area where there are very few facilities. The club works with all age groups, boys and girls. Unfortunately the club pavilion is in such bad condition, it may have to be demolished.

The Gatehouse Development Initiative is a keen supporter of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere and hopes that, over time, the existence of the Biosphere will help to encourage sustainable development across South West Scotland. Biospheres are recognised by UNESCO and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is the only Biosphere in Scotland, so this provides are real opportunity for communities within the Biosphere to benefit from association with this internationally recognised designation.

Stewartry author Karen Campbell will be speaking on home ground for the first time about her new novel Rise at this month’s Big Lit book festival.

The book has been attracting extensive interest since its publication less than a month ago – in part because it taps into Scotland’s fascination about what the referendum revealed about the country and its people.

Special Places

The Bakehouse

The BakehouseFormerly a bakery, and still featuring the original oven, the Bakehouse in the High Street is an arts venue promoting the literary arts live. Poetry readings and associated events take place most months. More.

Cambret Moor

Cambret MoorA stone circle consisting of a central stone and circle of 28 smaller boulders. The interior of the circle was strewn with smaller cobble-sized stones. More.

Cairnholy

CairnholyThere are two burial sites at Cairnholy dating from Neolithic times, both very well preserved and commanding fine views over Wigtown Bay. Cairnholy I is notable for the impressive facade, in front of which, archaeological evidence suggests, ceremonies took place. More.

Carstamon Wood

Carstramon WoodAround the Doon of Carstramon at the top of Carstramon Wood are many ancient beech trees. Climbing heaven! More.

Beaches

Fantastic BeachesThe tide goes out a long way across the Fleet Bay opening up huge expanses of sandy beach. Sandy bays are to be found at Cardoness, Mossyard, Sandgreen and Carrick. More.